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Thursday, November 19, 2009
BEAUTIFUL LAHORE CITY
Lahore - the provincial capital, and Pakistan's cultural capital
Faisalabad-A textile hub of Pakistan
Gujranwala-The city of wrestlers, also known for its electrical,Ceramics and textile industry
Jhelum
Multan-A must stop for tourists, most famous for its wonderful mangoes,friendly people and pottery,also lots of tombs and beautiful mosques.
Murree - famous for its scenic beauty and a popular hill station
Rawalpindi-Military headquarters
Sahiwal
Sialkot - famous for its sports industry
Other destinations
Khewra Salt Mine - World's largest Salt mine & tourist complex
Rohtas Fort
Cholistan desert
Nur Mahal in Bahawalpur
Indus Valley Civilization: Harappa
Taxila: Gandhara civilization
Takht-i-Bahi: Buddhist Monastery
Badshahi Masjid, Lahore - 2nd largest mosque in the World
Hasanabdal - Sikhs Holy site
Nankana Sahib - Sikhs Holy site
Talk
The major language spoken in the Punjab is Punjabi. Educated people also speak Urdu and English. In the south Seraiki is the mian language it's best if you learn some basic sentences at the Seraiki phrasebook Both Lahore and Islamabad have direct flights to numerous international destinations across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. There are buses/Train between Delhi to Lahore. From Kashi China one can travel by road via the KKH upto Gilgit for about 50$ and from Gilgit there are direct buses to Islamabad for about 5$ but 17 hours of journey on harrowingly winding roads.
Get around
By Plane, Train, Taxi, Bus
From ancient times people have been travelling through Punjab using the Grand Trunk Road that run through Pakistan and into the Indian subcontinent. It's a rewarding but time consuming way to see this part of the world. New highways have been developed and the country is due for an expansion in its highway network. Currently, a world-class motorway connects the cities of Lahore, Islamabad and Faisalabad
See
The province is home to many well known historical sites including the Shalimar Gardens, the Badshahi Mosque, and the ruins of the ancient city of Harrapa. The Anarkali Market and Jahangir's Tomb are prominent in the city of Lahore as is the Lahore Museum, while the ancient city of Taxila in the northwest was once a major centre of Buddhism. Many important Sikh shrines are in the Pakistani portion of Punjab, including the birthplace of the first Guru: Guru Nanak (born at Nankana Sahib). There is also the largest salt mine in Asia situated the Khewra Salt Mines.
Do
Golf
Cricket
See Art galleries, Museums
Concerts
Desert Safari
Jeep Rally s
Shopping
Eco tours
Trekking
Biking
Para gliding
Eat
Punjabi food mainly consists of various kinds of kabobs eaten with either flatbread or rice. Food tends to be either mild or very spicy depending on where you are. So state your preference before beginning to eat. In general, most of the same food you can find in the highest quality restaurants/hotels there is available commonly in the markets (but European-style food is generally reserved for the former).
The types of flatbread (collectively referred to as Nan are:
Nan - A soft and thick bread that often requires special clay ovens and cannot be properly made on home stoves. It is recognized by its larger, white exterior.
Roti/Chapatti - A homemade bread that doesn't have as much flavor as naan. It is a cheap alternative that is ready in minutes.
Paratha - An extremely oily version of the roti. Usually excellent if you're going out to eat, but beware of health concerns; often it is literally dripping with oil because it is meant to be part of a rich meal. Pratha is more declicious if you cook it in pure oil like "desi ghee".
Sheer Mal - This is a slightly sweetened, lightly oiled bread that has waffle-like squares punched in it. It is often considered the most desirable bread and is a delicacy to most people. Often paired with nihari.
Taftan - Much like the sheer mal but with a puffed-up ring around it. This is generally just as good as the sheer mal but easier to eat liquidy shorba with.
As you might have noticed, Nan is usually used to pick up liquid and soft foods like shorba and beans. Utensils are not commonly used during meals in Pakistan except to serve dishes (unless someone is eating rice and would like to be polite or is unpracticed eating it by hand). Attempting to cut a naan with a knife and drink shorba with a spoon may elicit some amusement around you. Watching others may help.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
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